Malus species

apple, crabapple

Fruits and Vegetables, Trees and Shrubs, Bonsai

Sow immediately upon harvesting, or soak overnight then stratify 12 weeks, and sow in cooler weather, 3" apart, just covered. Needs light to germinate; grow in full sun to part shade, and well-drained, moist soil. Benefits from mulching with compost. Used as bonsai. Some apples hardy to zone 3, some crabapples to zone 2; most grow comfortably zones 5-8

Tourniquet-style air layering is slow but effective, and produces a specimen true to type, as does whip grafting done in winter. Plant newly acquired specimens in early spring, setting grafted plants with bud union at least 2" above soil level, to prevent scion from rooting directly